Andhraites in state converge at Gandhinagar

Vasundhara Joshi , DNA|Nov 19, 2012, 02:00AM IST

Ahmedabad: The Andhra Pradesh Government and Telugu University, Hyderabad jointly organized a regional Telugu convention in the city on Sunday, which was hosted by Ahmedabad Andhra Maha Sabha. All Telugu associations located in various cities of Gujarat attended the meet.

The main aim of the convention was to promote cultural unity among the Telugu people living in different parts of a state and to encourage and promote local talent to encourage growth of Telugu culture.

“It is a common platform for the different associations to discuss and exchange their views for promotion of culture and language in their region,” said Venugopal Rao, executive committee member of Ahmedabad Andhra Sabha.

The day-long session at the conference began with a procession near town hall where more than 500 people participated with banners. The conference was preceded by the inaugural speech by K Srinivas, IAS, and secretary general, administration, Gujarat government.

In his vote of thanks address, general secretary, PV PC Prasad said, “The different representatives came forward with their issues and the dialogue revolved around improving relationships between AP and Gujarat through periodical cultural programmes.”

A well-known Telegu drama, ‘Bhuvanam Vijayanam’ was enacted by child artistes from Andhra Pradesh, which was followed by a delegates’ conference, proceedings of which will be forwarded to the Andhra Pradesh government.

Folk dances of Andhra Pradesh were also one of the major attractions of the meet. Artistes who have migrated from Andhra Pradesh and settled in Gujarat were also honored. “The people who have done exemplary work in the fields of Telugu art, culture and literature have been identified and felicitated,” Rao said.